It doesn’t matter if you’re an industry veteran with years of experience in your sector, or a graduate joining a team for the first time. Mistakes happen. Little blunders can be a positive thing at a time. A small misstep is a fantastic learning opportunity, particularly if you approach it with the right attitude.However, there’s a difference between small oversights, and miscalculations that wreck your reputation, harm your career plan and leave you struggling to achieve your goals. Here are just some of the biggest career mistakes that we constantly see as a recruitment agency.

Thinking Career Progression has to be Linear

These days, terms like “job hopping” have a bad reputation. However, there’s nothing wrong with moving to a different company if you can’t follow your career goals with your current employer.

When you look at the career plans of successful people around the world, you’ll see thousands of entrepreneurs, executives and market leaders who got to where they are today not by “climbing the ladder,” but by developing their skills and pursuing opportunities.

Countless people stick to the same role in the same company for years at a time, hoping to impress their employer and finally get that big promotion. However, sometimes finding the right job means looking in a different direction. Don’t let your loyalty stop you from reaching your true potential.

Struggling with “Shiny Object” Syndrome

While some people stick by the same business for years, hoping for a promotion that never comes, others hop rapidly from one job to the next, tempted by the promise of a bigger salary or better benefits.

Although it’s important to make sure that you’re being paid what you’re worth, don’t fall victim to “shiny” object syndrome. It can be tempting to say “yes” to a new job just because it sounds interesting or looks great on the surface. However, before you commit to changing your career path, it’s worth doing your research and finding out whether your new position fits into your plan for long-term success.

Evaluate each potential job change carefully and turn to your recruitment agency for help if you need extra support. Remember, it’s not just about getting “new” opportunities, it’s about finding the right ones.

Failing to Improve your Skills

When you’ve got a great job with a competitive remuneration package, you might decide that it’s time to sit back, relax and reap the rewards of a successful recruitment journey. However, the most successful people know that there’s no “finish line” in their career plan. There are always new opportunities out there for growth and development.

If your employer can’t provide you with chances to build on your skills, then create your own. Look for networking events related to your preferred industry. Keep track of the latest sector trends and sign up for night classes that might boost your talents.

The more you work on your skills, the more you open yourself up to better positions, bigger promotions and a moreproductive work life. Don’t let your CV sit there gathering dust, build on it.

Letting “Fear of Failure” Hold You Back

Sometimes, if you want to accomplish great things, you need to take chances.

The most inspiring leaders in the world right now didn’t accomplish their goals by sticking to career choices they felt were “safe.” There’s nothing wrong with trying out a short-term job, signing up for an apprenticeship, or working part-time to find the position that’s right for you. If your experiments don’t work out, you can at least learn something from them.

One of the main ways that “fear of failure” holds people back, is by convincing them to stay in a position where they’re “underemployed.” Being underemployed means that you’re in a role where you’re not using your skills or talents. Make sure you’re not just paying the bills. Work with a recruitment agency to find a role that really suits you.

Connecting with other people is uncomfortable and nerve-wracking, but it’s a powerful way to open yourself up to new opportunities.

Unfortunately, many employees stop networking when they have a full-time job. Continuously building your social sphere and making new connections in your field is a great way to make an impact in your chosen industry. The more you network, the more you’ll learn about new job opportunities, training solutions, and you may even find a mentor for your career plan.

Networking also helps to develop your personal brand and give weight to your application when you apply for competitive roles. Sometimes “who” you know, really is just as important as “what” you know.